Archive of Our Own ^beta

---REM---

A deafening silence lingered throughout the entire Arlam Village. What used to be a busy and bustling area filled with children playing games had fallen silent. Rem had thought this place would allow her to escape her emotions and thoughts. But instead she's left to stew further in them. Recovering her memories to find out something irreplaceable was missing left her heart broken. And nobody seemed to want to admit why it happened. Ran had insinuated something bad happened to Subaru but even her head strong attitude seemed like she wanted to not answer. As if the answer itself horrified her. Of course... the truth hurt a lot. Rem broke down and tried picking herself back up. She wanted to blame Beatrice. She wanted to blame everyone. Even herself... But she maintained her professional attitude just long enough to excuse herself before attacking the sprit. To clear her mind. She would go for a walk. No idea for how long, but Rem needed some time to think. And here she was. Looking to strike up a conversation, to interact with the children. Anything to keep her sane. But nothing... Rem called out for someone. "Hello... is anybody here?!" ". . ." But nobody answered. Rem continued to search around the village for a bit... And soon she found something Something she recognised She could smell it Blood Its strong iron sent lingered throughout the village. But where? ... It was coming from all directions. The houses... Rem approached one of the houses. Sent getting stronger. And before she opened it... 'SMASH' Glass being broken from inside the village bar. . . . Rem left the house alone. It would be easier to ignore it and hope than open it right now. Rem opened the bar door. Its creaks seemed to echo in the dead silence. Walking inside Rem could see many bodies lying about. Blood fresh. And there was one cloaked figure standing back turned but head looking at her. Wearing a black jacket with the hoodie over his now white hair. He had no visible blood on him, which was a good sign. Yes, it was undeniable that Rem could recognise him It was Subaru But different He seemed skinnier His skin a sickly white It's clear the torture was executed to the fullest extent they could as he was missing both his eyes. But strangely the rest of his body seemed to lack visible injury. . . . Rem called out trying to ignore the death that surrounded them. "S-Subaru-kun... what happened here?" In response Subaru smiled and looked up at her. Suddenly his once empty eyes shot to life with a dark and purple iris. 'Subaru' laughed a wicked laugh and as he did Rem felt herself being grabbed by an unseen force. And before she could react it lifted her up and began to strangle her. Rem tried to fight it but more unseen forces grabbed her making movement impossible. She was being strangled tighter and tighter. She tried using magic to subdue Subaru But it seemed to not even touch Subaru as he stood still. The magic had no effect Desperate and tried a more offensive spell to hopefully render Subaru unconscious. But once again it had no effect. He stood there unmoving. He let out another laugh. And as Rems life began to drain out. She could have sworn she saw a figure behind Subaru. One completely shrouded in darkness. One that sent shivers down her spine. But before she had time to process much further. Rem died.